Saturday, April 30, 2005

The closer I get to youThe more you make me seeBy giving me all you've gotYour love has captured me

Over and over againI try to tell myself that weCould never be more than friendsAnd all the while insideI knew it was realThe way you make me feel

Lying here next to youTime just seems to flyNeeding you more and moreLet's give love a trySweeter and sweeter love growsAnd heaven's there for thoseWho fool the tricks of timeWith hearts in love will findTrue loveIn a special way

The closer I get to youThe more you make me seeBy giving me what you've gotYour love has captured me

Over and over againI try to tell myself that weCould never be more than friendsAnd all the while insideI knew this was real (got to be real)The way you make me feel (you know)

My baby, my baby, my baby, my loveCome a little closer so we can see into the eyes of loveJust a little a closer let me speak to youI wanna tell you somethingHere I am-- I just want you to come closerCome a little closer let me whisper in your ear‘Cause I wanna tell you somethingMove a little a little closer we can say for realThe way we feel about each other’s lovin’…

.:Started The Morning Right:.

Had a funny conversation over the phone with Clair, who was listening to my show this morning with Diane and Dang. Very amusing, to say the least, as they helped me come up with a bit of my playlist, and it was extremely amusing to talk to the both of them, as they were wondering why I seemed so giddy and all… heh.

.:Congratulations Are In Order:.

Inasmuch as I'd miss one of my best friends when she goes off to blaze her trail once again, I am still very happy for and proud of Sacha's acceptance to U. Toronto. It couldn’t happen to a nicer person, in my humble opinion.

Congratulations, Sach. You pretty much inspired me to almost certainly go for Ph.D. studies myself... in Korea. =)

.:Now THAT'S What I'd Call An Ex-Deal:.

A certain beauty center wanted to strike an ex-deal with WAVE and JAM. In exchange for advertising their establishment on our show, the jocks get three different beauty treatments a month for six months. Everything from paraffin treatment to manicures and pedicures... wow. These will be six months I won't mind making the most out of.

.:I Thank You:.

I'd like to thank Grace as well for pretty much telling me I have good taste. Your approval means a lot to me, and I'm happy that we're getting along pretty well despite all the hurdles we have to go through.

.:Giddy Doesn't Begin To Describe How I Feel:.

Spent the whole day online yesterday, just doing work and chatting with friends. It was pretty fun, really.

But you see, I've been asking friends for help here and there with a few key Chinese phrases to use... stuff like “Good night” (Wan an.), “Take care” (Shao shin.), and “I like you” (Wo shi hwan ni.), among other things.

Thursday, April 28, 2005

.:Today's LSS:.

No introductions needed.

Let Me Be The Oneby Jimmy Bondoc

Somebody told me you were leavin’ I didn’t know Somebody told me you’re unhappy But it doesn’t show Somebody told me that you don’t want me no more So you’re walkin’ out the door Nobody told me you’ve been cryin’ Every night Nobody told me you’d been dyin’ But didn’t want to fight Nobody told me that you fell out of love from me So I’m settin’ you free

Refrain:Let me be the one to break it up So you won’t have to make excuses We don’t need to find a set up where Someone wins and someone loses We just have to say our love was true But has now become a lie So I’m tellin’ you I love you one last time And goodbye

Somebody told me you still loved me Don’t know why Nobody told me that you only Needed time to fly Somebody told me that you want to come back when Our love is real again

(Refrain)

Just turn around and walk away You don’t have to live like this But if you love me still then stay Don’t keep me waiting for that final kiss We can work together through this test Or we can work through it apart I just need to get this off my chest That you will always have my heart

(Refrain)

.:Moving On Does Not Mean Leaving Behind:.

I guess this is all I really could say.

Moving on does not mean leaving you behind.

I want you to be happy. I miss who we were when we were together. But now, we have to move beyond that.

I wish you all the best things in life.

This isn't goodbye. This is only a new beginning.

.:Mediators:.

Conducted a pretty interesting interview with Ms. Belle Abaya, a mediator, yesterday. It was really interesting how that turned out, I suppose. You'll see the article when I'm done with it, but it was really a very fun bit of work to do.

I just wish writing it out was as fun as conducting the interview itself. My head hurts right now. Feel pretty dizzy and all… oh, well.

.:Numba 50!:.

Just wanted to say Clair and I have had a total of 50 conversations as of yesterday over YM. It was fun, to say the least, to keep track of how many we’ve had. Only goes to show how much of an effort the both of us have made to bond whenever we have the chance, even if just online.

Thanks, Clair! I really appreciated it all…

.:Constantine Constantius And The Unnamed Youth:.

In “Repetition” by Soren Kierkegaard, the lead character, Constantine Constantius, befriends an unnamed youth who is courting a woman yet has already, by virtue of his powerful imagination, envisioned the entirety of the relationship. Similarly, the woman had awakened in him a sense of poetry, one that he knows he cannot help but be thankful to the woman for.

The youth wants to cease with the courtship, and turns to Constantine for advice. Constantine tells the young man to be creative in dropping the lady by staging an elaborate ruse that would end up with the girl herself ending the courtship. The young man agreed to this elaborate ruse.

On the day they were supposed to carry this plan out, the young man never showed up.

Why not?

Constantine Constantius, by his actions, was an aesthetical man, who concerned himself less with the true meaning of life than with what he can do to make his life more interesting. As an observer of people, he likewise hopes to find people to observe who also would have interesting experiences in life as well.

The youth was an ethical man. He felt strongly about the woman, but letting go was not just a whim for him. Insofar as he did see that perhaps the relationship would not go anywhere from that point, he still realized that making an elaborate ruse to end their blooming relationship was not the way to go. Constantine could not quite understand why the youth did not follow the plan, but it was clear why he didn’t.

The young man had a conscience. Constantine, on the other hand, saw no problem with using the lady as merely a means to an end: the satisfaction of companionship, and the awakening of a poetic soul. Because these reasons have been exhausted, the reason for the relationship ceased to stand, as far as Constantine was concerned.

Clearly, this is not true.

The young man considered letting go. It wasn’t just an easy act for him. He didn’t just assume that the woman, having exhausted her usefulness to him, was just going to be dropped like a hot potato. His consideration of the woman was ethical, and at times, even spiritual to a point. That being said, he only proves my point, that letting go of someone should not be just a whim or an act of caprice. Most especially when you’re letting go of someone who still means so much to you.

It’s not as easy as people make it out to be. In a world of casual relationships with meaningless endings to stories, there are still people who believe in the old-fashioned value of loving someone, of finding someone who’d be a witness to your otherwise meaningless life.

Letting love go Is never easyBut I love you soThat's why I set you free

I know somedaySomehow I'll find a wayTo leave it all behind meGuess it wasn't meant to be

But baby...

(Chorus)

.:No Regrets:.

Despite everything, she is still the best thing that has ever happened in my life, and she is still the best friend I have ever had in my life, bar none. I refuse to speak ill of somebody as special as that to me.

I only pray time will heal this rift between me and her.

I don’t regret anything we’ve been through for five years. Nothing at all.

.:Picking Myself Up From Off The Ground:.

I was having a pretty cathartic boardwork yesterday, as I played songs like “One Last Cry”, “Let Me Be The One”, and “Before I Let You Go”. Very therapeutic.

In any case, Sacha SMSed me that she was actually listening to me in a photo shop that happened to be tuned in. It was fun, and I greeted her, though she failed to mention she was with Diane and Mario. Had she done that, I could’ve flirted on the air with Mario… heh.

Pam then walked into the booth after I played “Let Me Be The One”, and I said on the air she seemed like she was deeply affected by the song. She then goes to my mic and says, “I love you, Jimmy Bondoc!”

Apparently, it didn’t matter what the song was, so long as Jimmy Bondoc sang it. Heh.

When I was about to play my last song, I made this intro…

And here’s my last song for today, “One Last Cry”, by Brian McKnight. One last song, before I leave this all behind… the boardwork, that is, for Pam, who’ll be stepping in for Spree After Three, all the way to six PM.

Pam then commented if I was trying to drop any hints with that last ad lib. Ah, well.

.:.:Making Good Time:.

I took the MRT and got to Gateway Mall in record time to talk to Sacha. Diane and Mario asked if I needed to talk to Sacha alone, but I declined their offer and asked them nicely to stay. I then just tried to get off my chest all that’s been bugging me about the whole setup.

My apologies to Sach, Diane, and Mario for being an emotional wreck. I really didn’t know how to deal with this right now, and I am grateful you were there to hear me out and help give me a semblance of a smile.

The topic slowly steered towards gimmick plans, and we are now party liaisons. From the group viewing of “Can This Be Love” (Yes, Sandy’s film!) to Sean’s birthday, we definitely had an interesting time making plans. It was fairly amusing how Sacha got her index cards out to start writing down the tentative ideas, not to mention quite surreal how meticulous our planning session went.

Mario talking about men doing “manly stuff” in defense of dropping the soap was definitely met with a lot of skewed notions about his masculinity, though. But hey, that’s why we all love Mario… =)

Oh, I got to hug him too. Twice! =P

.:The Ride And The Side:.

We left Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf after a while, and took the MRT to Ayala. I knew how to negotiate the shortcuts to the MRT, which made me realize that I really was a Bosconian at heart. While we were just talking out there in the MRT, and while Sacha kept on pointing to every Sandara Park billboard she could point out to me, my phone started ringing and I landed a freelance writing gig just when I started talking about money woes.

Divine providence much?

Anyways, we got to Ayala, and we headed out to SM (Again, they didn’t know the shortcut to SM from the MRT station. Odd.) to get some ingredients for Diane’s Oreo Cheesecake, which was vouched for by Sacha to completely eradicate my depression. I had a hankering for barbecue, and Sach took a couple of pics of me and Mario. I still await her uploading of the evidence. Heh. It was pretty fun going around the grocery.

In any case, Mario didn’t go with us to Sacha’s house anymore, but it was still a very enjoyable time in their company, nonetheless.

.:Pizza, Cheesecake, And Videoke?:.

When we got to Sacha’s house, we started working on the cheesecake already, and Clair arrived at the residence. It was an immense relief to see her, as I really appreciated the advice she’s been giving me. The same with Jonsi and Madame Jess as well, but Clair’s the first one I also met offline since this whole hoopla started.

Anyways, Ranulf then arrived shortly thereafter while we were done ordering pizza. Sacha did the ordering, so none of those horribly awkward pauses where we sound like prank callers or something. We made our way down along with a new acquaintance, Vince (Who knew almost everyone in the room, and actually worked with my mom and aunt when he was in Unilever! Small world!), and JM was already there. Some switches and lights promptly began to turn on. And then we had pizza, and then worked on setting up the Videoke machine.

Sacha already has a list of the songs and who sang what, but I think the people really liked my rendition of “Endless Love”, as I did both male and female’s parts… heh. It was really interesting for the most part, especially when I started flirting with Ranulf and JM again, and Vince began to look at me uncomfortably. Well, not to worry. I don’t pull these stunts on a person the first time I meet them… heh.

The cheesecake was too soft, but no big deal. We still loved it. I guess it needed a bit more freezer time. And we had pretty... incriminating pictures of me and Ron and JM... heh. Next time, once Sach gets to upload them, I guess.

After that, we then went home, and I must say that I was very grateful to Sacha, Ron, Clair, Diane, JM, and Mario for really helping me somewhat cheer up. Sorry if this entry wasn’t as detailed as I hoped it to be, but I hope it would suffice as a recap of last night.

I guess things have begun to sink in already... there really is no easy way to go about it.

There's No Easy Wayby James Ingram

I held her close to me'Cause I know she breaks so easilyAnd then I told herBut I knew no matter how I tried to console herShe's just do the best she couldBut there are times the best in no damn goodAnd no matter how you try to be kindThere's always still a part of you you leave behindWhen it falls apart

Chorus: There's no easy way to break somebody's heart

I lied and told her she'd be fineThough we both knew it was just a lineI had to do it'Cause I'd a' said anytihng to help me get through it

Then she reached out for my handAnd her simple touch was more than I could standAnd I had to turn away'Cause I knew all the hurtThat she was feeling I was feeling too'Cause when it falls apart

Chorus:There's no easy way to break somebody's heart

She could've gotten angryAnd made me feel like a guilty childBut I realized that never was her styleI wanted her to hurt meAnd not treat me like a friendI wanted to to say there'd be somedayI'm come crawling on my kneeds to ask her back againBut she acted like a lady 'til the endOh, what a lady

I thought that she'd break downBut she smiled at me and never made a soundAnd I guess she understood in her wayCause her silence told me everything she could not sayWhen it falls apartThere's just no easy way

Chorus:There's just no easy wayThere's just no easy way to break somebody's heart.

.:Made The Top Eight Of The Tournament Again...:.

I couldn't quite get the lyrics to the Joy Jingle and the few lyrics of "The Closer I Get To You" that I knew about,though. I'll do a tournament report sometime soon.

He knows he's going to work early tomorrow, but he just has to get this off his chest.

Yes, he's happy. And she is the reason why he's happy.

He can wait. He can take his time. She's worth it, after all. There's no need to rush into anything at all. For now, I play the waiting game.

And maybe, just maybe, he could fall in love again.

.:My Cousin, The Genius:.

I headed to my cousin's celebration as she graduated Summa Cum Laude from U.P. Pretty impressive, as she's in a pre-med course. In any case, nothing much there, just catching up with my relatives on my father's side...

Friday, April 22, 2005

.:Today's LSS:.

I may have had this song before, but it just speaks volumes about me right now...

You Were Thereby Southern Sons

I guess you heard, I guess you knowIn time I'd have told you, but I guess I'm too slow.And it's overly romantic but I know that it's realI hope you don't you mind if I say what I feel.It's like I'm in somebody else's dream,This could not be happening to me.

(Chorus)But you were there, and you were everything I'd never seen.You woke me up from this long and endless sleep.I was alone.I opened my eyes and you were there.

Don't be alarmed, no don't be concerned.I don't want to change thingsleave them just as they were.I mean nothing's really differentIt's me who feel strange.

I'm always lost for words when someone mentions your name.I know I'll get over this for sureI'm not the type who dreams there could be more.

(Chorus)

Can I take your smile home with me,or the magic in your hair?

The rain has stopped, the storm has passedLook at all the colors now the sun's here at last.I supposed that you'll be leaving but I want you to knowPart of you stays with me even after you go.Like an actor playing someone else's sceneThis could not be happening to me.

But you were there, and you were everything I'd never seen.You woke me up from this long and empty sleep.I was alone.I opened my eyes and no, I'm not alone, I'm not alone.I opened my eyes and you were there.

.:Look at this picture...:.

Jac has pics of the Subic trip on her blog, so I won't borrow much of her images. You can check it there yourself.

However, this pic is just worth showing...

Why is that dog giving us the finger for thinking "safe"?

.:Bushed!:.

Had to cut classes today because I went home last night at 1:30 in the morning already. Nonetheless, it was worth it, as I spent some time with Sacha, Peppy, Ron, Sean, and Grace at the Chua residence last night.

The day was pretty much rushed for the most part as I was waiting for Grace in Neutral Grounds while playing a few games against a Workshop deck, which was obviously one of my worst matchups. Turns out that I was wrong in figuring that the Sphere Of Resistance would actually affect spells that are normally victimized by the Chalice Of The Void. Apparently, the Sphere only changes casting costs, but not converted mana costs. Oh, well...

In any case, it was Grace's first time at the Chua residence, but she certainly enjoyed her time there. For the most part, and barring Neko (::sniggers::), she loved all the pets the Chuas had in their house. Lucas was especially nice last night, too.

When Grace and I got there, Sean, Sach, and Ron already saw “King Arthur” and were just talking around, waiting to have dinner. I gushed over the new optical mouse Madame Jess sold to me, and they could literally see my eyes gleaming over it. When dinner came, talk about movies came to the fore, and I think Sean mentioned a movie entitled “Firefox”. I impulsively asked, “Mozilla?”

For the rest of the night, it was fairly obvious why Sacha was calling me a geek... heh.

On the other hand, Kathy turned to Grace and asked her how she managed to put up with me for five years after a corny joke like that. I naturally had to defend my honor...

Marcelle: But Kathy, we're not together anymore!

Kathy: I know, Marcelle. I can see why you aren't.

I sure set myself up for that...

Because Ron chaperoned so well for Dom and Sach in Subic last time, it was suggested that he do the same for Kathy as she goes to Siargao, I believe. I then dropped an even more inane suggestion: to chaperon for Ching and John in Singapore. Yes, they're married. =P

.:MSTing The Ring 2:.

While there were parts where the DVD was stopping, we still sat through the entire film in anticipation of good scares at the very least.

Because of the running commentary coming from all of us, as well as the gratuitously unnecessary use of special effects, the movie was more funny than scary, and even Ron managed to sit through the entire thing and not break a sweat about it.

I don't feel the movie needs to be reviewed. It was horrible. I think giving it an F for its fun value and a D for its critical value would be almost too generous, but yeah, I hardly enjoyed the movie despite being very easy to please. The whole story of Ring 2 didn't make much sense and didn't stick close to the rules of the first one. The only funny part was the first segment of the movie where someone tried to get a girl to watch the movie, only to discover she closed her eyes through it.

We had more fun assuming the kid in the film was the latest Michael Jackson victim, by the way. Of course, I personally believe the man is innocent, but that's beside the point. The jokes about the new Pope are a lot more tasteless anyways, and I've heard quite a few of them running around lately.

In any case, we definitely don't recommend this film to anyone. It's not even scary enough. Hades, “Feng Shui” was way scarier...

.:And The Marathon Continued:.

We then proceeded to watch a couple of episodes of Ranma ½, and although it was fun, these were episodes I've actually seen in the past. Nonetheless, I then tried to pop in “Feng Shui” or “Zatoichi”, but neither DVD worked. That being said, I then popped in a film I've already seen as well but felt like it was worth showing, and that was “My Little Bride”.

Peppy agrees that I really can relate to the film on so many different levels... heh. Grace was looking at Ching's picture in the living room while the point was being made painfully clear... heh.

Afterwards, we said goodbye, and considered going to the blogger party, but mostly decided against it. I've already given a review of “My Little Bride”, so I don't have to talk about it much again, but everyone watching found the film and the girl so cute. Well, that's no mystery, I guess... =P

Due to the movie thing lined up for tonight, Grace and I went to Avenida yesterday to go hunt for DVD's. We found a pretty good bargain bin of 35 bucks per DVD, and I got two DVD-quality foreign films there and Kris Aquino's "Feng Shui". That made my life easier... heh. Grace and I are still looking for a DVD of "My Best Friend's Wedding", though. Her sister wants one.

.:Cheer Upper:.

I helped cheer up a very special friend of mine the other day. She felt rather worried about the work life, and I kept on reminding her that she's a very smart person who has what it takes to succeed.

She thanked me the next day for the "help" I gave her, but I was just telling her things she should already know, anyways.

I believe in her. And I'm behind her every step of the way.

Maybe I could fall in love. Maybe not. Only time can tell.

You know who you are.

.:Most Enlightening:.

Mr. Bulaong and I have been chatting online quite a bit recently, and the stuff he's been telling me have been fairly interesting for the most part. He does feel I like running my head against the wall with my choice in females, as most of them seem to have insurmountable barriers I have to overcome before even standing a chance with them...

He also gave me a good bit of advice about reading Kierkegaard for Fr. Ferriols' class. He reminded me that Fr. Ferriols is a careful reader, so I really shouldn't do anything stupid and overread "Sickness Unto Death" when I go through it a second time.

Wednesday, April 20, 2005

I know you're wonderingWhat this is all aboutCandles and champagnedinner is all made out

I wanted this nightto be perfect for youIt's gotta be rightfor what i'm gonna doSo baby sit downand open youre heart to me

CHORUS:Girl, it's time you knowWhat everybody knowsTo say the words I feelTo tell you what is realand let my feeling showsThe whole world knows it's trueI'm so in love with you...Baby look at meand in my eyes you'll seeWhat everybody knows

It seems like a lifetimeGirl since i met you (oh baby..)And from that first momentDeep in my heart I knewThat someday I'll bewhere I'm standing todayTouching your bodykissing your faceHolding the dreamsthat's finally coming true

(Repeat Chorus 2x)

Baby look at meAnd in my eyes you'll seeWhat everybody knows...

.:A Funny Dialogue:.

saito_ichikawa: So what's The Ring about? I haven't seen it, so I wouldn't know about the Ring 2, either.

voldemort02: Well, it's about a curse on a video that if you watch the video, you die in seven days.

saito_ichikawa: I see. I better catch it on video, then. Err...

.:More On Grace:.

Grace was gorgeous last Monday night when she came in a green dress she wore for the first time as we watched the movie premiere of “Guess Who” in Megamall with Grace's sister and brother-in-law. We started things off on a bad note, but ended up being a “couple for a day”, if only to not feel so out of place with the other couple who went to the film with us. It was all in all a good day, really. I'll try to get pics of it soon...

.:Dissing Buddies:.

While I'm sure you've heard the term “kissing buddies”, my recent run-ins with the Chua sisters, and how we enjoy pwning each other verbally, has made me realize that I have entered a whole new kind of friendship...

Dissing Buddies.

Sacha and Kathy are practically my two best “dissing buddies”, if such a term could be coined. Of course, I still watch how I joke around them, as certain jokes thrown in their direction are definitely out of line, but for the most part, the exchanges of putdowns can be quite enjoyable.

I think we more or less have already mastered knowing when to stop before someone gets hurt or offended...

At least, I wish I do. I have to let them confirm if I do know when to stop...

But yeah, so after the “Magic 8-Ball”, now here's a new term: Dissing Buddies. Pretty catchy.

.:Gyeh?:.

Last April 1, Keith Martin acknowledged me at the WAVE anniversary party as though he knew me. I thought maybe that was just some April Fool's joke, so it didn't really strike me much.

Lo and behold, when I entered the WAVE booth yesterday, there he was, grinning from ear to ear, and greeted me by name!

I don't understand... how does the man know me?

Nonetheless, of course I feel a bit ego-boosted to be recognized by Keith Martin... I mean, he just so happened to be the one to sing “Because Of You” after all...

.:A Fine Sunday (More On The Subic Trip):.

Picking up right where the story left off, but first a recollection...

During the contest, the hosts remarked how “hard” it is for the judges to make a decision and how “concentrated” they looked while tabulating scores.

What they didn't know was that one of the judges, the Bb. Pilipinas-World girl, was just playing solitaire. =P

Anyways, onto the story...

It was a Sunday morning, and I woke up fairly late at nine or ten in the morning (I'm usually up by six or seven.). I got up and only myself and Jac were really in the room, though Jac was soundly sleeping in the bed while I was on some sofa cushions. Fixed myself up a bit before heading down to discover that Sach, Dom, Diane, and Ranulf were already done swimming. Oh, well. Would've wanted to swim as well, but circumstances prevented that from happening.

In any case, so there we were, having breakfast and talking about random stuff like wrestling storylines and video games and whatnot, and then we finally decided to go back up and see if Jac was up by then (I think she was still asleep.). While the others packed and got dressed up, Jac and I were raring to swim, but we decided to have lunch first, a bit after checking out.

While we talked about Darna, other comic books, Sean Uy (Poor guy was always brought up whenever there was a lull in the conversation. Don't ask why.), and while I continued to freak Ranulf out with even more gay innuendo (You have to pardon my lack of recollection for specific dialogue... it'll come in time, assuming something so noteworthy comes to mind.), we didn't notice that over an hour has already passed by and still no food was served.

It turns out that the microwave of the restaurant broke down, and their service was severely delayed. While we normally wouldn't mind such a thing, what annoyed us was that we weren’t informed about this until when we decided to leave already and cancel our orders. The manager of the restaurant was very apologetic and offered to waive charging us for the few items that arrived before we left, but we were already in a hurry to go home, which meant there'd be no more time for me or Jac to swim. Of course, both of us were already in swimming attire, which, while still decent, definitely wasn't formal wear. That being said, we left and had lunch in Little Caesar's Pizza in Subic instead of eating at Club Morocco due to the mishap.

While on the way there, we enjoyed singing song after song after song, in Sacha's and Diane's valiant attempt to help me forget about my LSS of the Phantom Of The Opera, which still freaked them out. Inasmuch as I was “ogling” the guys of last night, we still had fun talking about key things that happened throughout the competition, including a certain rescue operation Ranulf carried out for Jac's benefit, and with my indirect help. Considering the sheer number of stalkers Jac has, I think it's fairly obvious what kind of rescue operation was carried out. =P

Diane talked about hugging and how she wasn't such a huggy person in high school, unlike Sach. I mentioned I wasn't either until college, and then Diane joked I should stay away from her. I told her I don't hug people if they aren't that dear to me just yet... and proceeded to attempt to hug Ranulf, who quickly shrank away.

When we got to Little Caesar's, we passed a billboard with a dog that seemed to be giving the “Eff you” sign to us... I'm still waiting for a chance to upload the photo...

... And lest I forget, we also discovered that part of the new Chowking Seafood Chao Fan is a special spicy sauce called “Sacha Sauce”. Dominique naturally ordered that. Of course, Diane was speculating if this was used bathtub water from Sacha... not the most glamorous thought... but unlike Clair, Diane got the ladder to success joke.

I digressed again.

When we got to Little Caesar's, we played the never-ending song game: I sing a song, I stop at a certain word, then someone starts a new song with the last word I sang as the first word of his or her new song. It was fun, and we really just ended up singing songs at random, regardless, further underscoring the need for a videoke night in the near future. While eating there, I had a hankering for Dairy Queen and indulged myself in a large Blizzard. Jac also had one. It's destiny, I tell you (/sarcasm, lest anyone get the wrong ideas.)! Lolololol.

It was fun singing songs like “Love Moves In Mysterious Ways” and “Right Here Waiting”. We even went the route of musicals for a while. A bit of “Miss Saigon” here, some “Jesus Christ Superstar” there, and so on and so forth. All in all, it was a very good bonding session, albeit through song. When we got to the bus, we all sat in the back, and just continued singing around, while Jac caught a nap in the corner of the bus, and I almost got a pic with me leaning on Ranulf, but he woke up in time to prevent that...

For some time, I managed to bond with Diane. It was very interesting to talk to her because I've never really spoken to her so intimately before, and I just wanted to get to know her better, although I initially dominated the conversation, more or less giving her a pretty good clarification on why I was “devastated” about a certain something Ranulf told me about in the past, that was eventually smoothened over when I realized that I was pressing the panic button all too hurriedly. Of course, how I turned the conversation to her wasn't the smoothest way to do it, though. That being said, I sort of depressed her a bit, but I tried my best to ease that away by hitting on Ranulf even more.

When Diane decided to catch a nap, I was then seated beside Jac, and we just continued the singing spree, as we tried to catch what song was playing on the bus radio, as the sounds weren’t that loud, really. Nonetheless, we enjoyed our time there, and for the most part, we really had a great time in our ride home, although Dom was no longer with us as he proceeded to have mass then presumably headed to Baguio.

After the bus ride, it was planned that we would head to Eastwood to leave our stuff, then have dinner. Diane couldn’t go with us, and so we said our goodbyes to her. Lo and behold, she even hugged me goodbye as I offered her a handshake, which took me by surprise, considering our earlier conversation. That being said, I guess the weekend made the whole group feel much closer with each other. At least one of us has been on a vacation with no parental units whatsoever for the first time ever, after all, and I do believe all of us have merited that trust over the weekend, considering how smooth things went.

By the time the four remaining people got to Eastwood, we were hungry. Sacha was overtly giddy about being with Dominique (For the record, the couple behaved *very* well.) for the weekend, and showed us an awfully sweet message from Dom. Incidentally, the giddiness rubbed off on me, as I exchanged a flurry of SMS's with someone else. Jac noticed how giddy I was, as considering how it was only our second meeting, she pretty much knows what this was about already. I haven't been this giddy since the time Grace gave me that bear as a birthday present, which I still keep in my bed, by the way.

When we left some stuff and started heading out for dinner, Ranulf started saying that the restaurant we were headed to (Forgot the name...) was the official G-Club hangout. I think the G stands for “gay”. Nah, just kidding. It's G for “geek”. So there we were, and we had great food, and talked about the things we were thankful for. Each of us took turns sharing our own love stories (Whether or not we were still with the one we talked about.), and they especially liked the sheer coincidences that brought me and Grace together for over five years. When it started sinking in that I was already single, I started getting a bit emotional, and Jac promptly consoled me. I tried to crack some jokes to stifle my tears, but it helped just a bit. I guess inasmuch as things have changed, a part of me still wishes they didn't, apparently.

The food was great, really. Ranulf found a great place to eat in, and everyone enjoyed the food, and had lovely conversations about all sorts of things, as I ran into a Korean girl and a batchmate of mine, Clarence Lim. They started asking me about a certain list I kept, and while it was amusing, I reminded them that I didn't really use that list when it came to serious stuff...

At the same time, one thing I realized by the end of the weekend was just how important friends were to me. It was pretty much the case that if my friendship would be jeopardized by an attempt at romance, I'd rather just give up on it than potentially sacrifice a friendship. I especially mentioned how I couldn’t ever see myself going after someone who already has a boyfriend, but underscored that I never said anything about someone who already has a husband... Sacha was then treated to the modified lyrics of the song “Mahirap Talaga Magmahal Ng Syota Ng Iba”, which we all laughed off. It was around this point where the term “Dissing Buddies” was born.

Jac had interesting stories, herself, and I especially enjoyed her stories about how she had to ward off some stalkers left and right. Each of us (As in Ranulf, Jac, Sach, and myself.) have our own respective stalkers, and in varying degrees. We've been trying to compile a list of songs that could be construed as “stalker songs”, such as “Eye In The Sky”, “Two Steps Behind”, “I'll Be Watching You”, “Wherever You Go”, and so forth. Who else remembers the stalker songs we picked?

Shortly after dinner, we went back to the condo, and Ranulf decided to take Sacha home via cab, and left me and Jac behind, as we just talked about life and lovelives (Or lack of it.) in general. Jac pretty much evaluated me as a girl trapped in a man's body, with how I organize things and classify and give definitions to a lot of things.

She had a few good bits of advice to me, mainly on learning how to let go, and learning not to put too much stock in affirmation. Nonetheless, I sincerely appreciated how she helped me clear some things up with regard to my feelings and my conscience, as I definitely needed an outside point of view.

By the time Ron got back from taking Sacha home, the three of us chatted a bit more at Cheesecake, Etc. before I showed some of my special games in my laptop to Jac (She loves the Japanese phrase for “I'm embarrassed” a lot. It would add to her repertoire of basic Japanese phrases, especially since I have a way to play some key phrases like that and “Dame” and “Yamette” over and over again...), then I finally went home, extremely satisfied with the weekend I spent in the company of five wonderful people who have left quite an indelible mark on my life already.

Before I get to my post, let me just say that what you'll be seeing here is simply a string of vituperations (Rants, for the uninitiated.) on various topics that I felt I wanted to address. Obviously, it will be a bit toxic...

Just to keep my rage level at a minimum, I won't post this in third person. That means I'm not extremely ticked off... yet.

I wish I could finish this post without going into third person...

.:It Should've Been A Movie Review Of “Guess Who”...:.

... instead, it's a full-blown vituperation on inconsiderate people who go to moviehouses. All the worse, it's about inconsiderate people who go to moviehouses for free. Yes, these @$$holes were in a WAVE movie premiere.

While we were seated in the theater and waiting for the movie to start, a couple of latecomers showed up and decided to seat themselves directly beside us. No harm done, truth be told. But then, they started going in and out of their seats in rapid succession even when the film began, and soon enough, two more of their friends passed by us as well. It was beginning to get annoying as they either went to the CR or bought food, completely oblivious to everyone else watching.

I got especially ticked off when the guy in the group brought out his phone and started playing with the phone in full volume. Grace and I asked him to turn him down, but idiot that he was, he thought we were being glared by the light. Soon enough, the rest of his posse settled down, and started chatting away inside the theater. You know, if you wanted to look for a place to talk to each other, you really should've gone elsewhere. I had to tell them off to be quiet, and the guy suddenly snapped...

That shut him up, and he started ranting obliquely about me to his companions. He was obviously pissed off, and so was I, but I stood my ground just to drive him even more nuts. I was really hoping he'd slug me, and then he'd find out he just slugged an employee of WAVE and made me a couple of hundred grand richer for damages due to assault. Too bad he didn't try.

.:They're Not The Only Ones Who Eat, You Know:.

What ticks me off about jeepney strikes for raising fares is that they seem to be getting the idea that they can raise jeepney prices at will. If the price increase happens, I may as well ride an FX, considering the small gap of prices between...

Inasmuch as oil prices are on the rise, Diesel is still cheaper than petroleum, and most public transportation runs on the former. Inasmuch as they are poorer, they are still not the only people feeling the crunch of the rising prices. I mean, by their logic, everyone deserves a raise.

I understand where the drivers are coming from. Despite that, I find it awfully selfish and self-serving for them to cripple the country's transportation services for a day just to have a strike at the expense of a day's living for them and still complain that they're not making enough money.

At this rate, I really think something other than oil should already be used to run these vehicles...

.:A Life Doesn't Cost 5.50:.

More on jeepney drivers.

Grace's brother-in-law recently suffered a death in the family. His mom died because of a horrible accident.

Apparently, a jeepney driver was in a rush to get to a fare at one point, and ran into a motorcycle that carried Kuya Mark's mom and the one driving the motorcycle. The motorcycle was practically dragged under the jeepney for a while before the jeepney stopped. The mom never had a chance.

Is that all a life is worth to this bastich? Five pesos and fifty cents? That he would just rush out there and take a life unwittingly all because he wanted more money? Is that all it's worth?

Marcelle is appalled and distraught by this event, and makes him feel rather infuriated about how people like these can just sleep easy. Stealing a cellphone is bad enough. But being reckless enough to kill someone over snagging a fare? Simply deplorable!

It would've been understandable if the accident were unpreventable, and the motorcycle were in the wrong, but neither would be the case. The jeepney driver was recklessly rushing and was completely oblivious to a motorcycle that was in plain sight.

Someone as careless as that for human life deserves to go to jail. Call Marcelle vengeful, but that is how he feels about this whole deal.

Tuesday, April 19, 2005

Can this be love I'm feeling right nowI know for certain I'm reeling right nowI don't recall ever feeling this wayTell me what does one say to one who makes me feel this way

Can this be love I'm feeling right nowI am not sure of this feeling somehowWhy do I tremble whenever you're nearI can't seem to say my words so you'll hear

CHORUSThis is the first time I'm gonna say "I love you"It's the first time I ever felt so helpless deep insideIf I had to say a thousand times I'd tell you once againThis is the first time I'm gonna say "I love you"

Can this be love I'm feeling right nowI love the feeling it's giving me nowA voice inside me is guiding me nowIt's telling me now to take your hand and say

(Repeat Chorus)

This is the first time I'm gonna say "I love you"It's the first time I ever felt so helpless deep insideIf I had to say a thousand times I'd tell you once againThis is the first timeThis is the first timeIt's the first time I'm gonna say..."I love you"

.:My Article Got Published! Yay!:.

It’s HERE! Finally, I get something published again, after a long time!

Now, I just have to find my name in the papers before the year ends… heh.

.:The Humanity!:.

I slept with Ranulf last Friday night. Literally, of course. I think I'm freaking him out a lot by now.

After all that flustering we did to Sean going on. In any case, it was really fun how that turned out, although Sean kind of threatened me as he was holding my bag while I was ribbing him about the stalking episode...

.:Cow Slaughter:.

So there I was showing Sacha the secret Cow Level in Diablo II when Kathy passed by and started talking to me about something. Amusingly enough, I wasn't using a mouse, so my mobility was severely restricted, and I proceeded to be slaughtered by a thousand cows in the stage, as there was no way out for me. I was teleporting all over the place like mad, only to find more and more cows eagerly anticipating my arrival, which promptly told me I was definitely in a load of trouble. Kathy was laughing her head off at that... heh.

.:The Bikini Bodies Tournament Report:.

Now that I think about it, it's really amusing how the whole tournament turned out, as except for a few key individuals, I was mostly looking at what the male contestants were up to (Now don't get homophobic. There's a good reason for that.). A familiar person hosted the show (Crystal from Magic 89.9.), but the contest proper did kind of start off a bit late.

Ranulf and I were up front while Sacha, Dom, and Diane were at the back, due to a mix-up that ended up with me and Ranulf getting the VIP area tickets. In any case, while we were seated there, we were watching the contestants, but while a few could've potentially caught my eye if I bothered to ogle, I actually found someone even more interesting in the audience near where Dom and the rest were seated.

So there was a performance of sorts from all the contestants that lasted a minute each, which was mainly a way for them to show off their physiques. Except for a sword dance from Jac and the oversight of two separate performances for J Lo's “Get Right”, the performances to watch were the males. Sure, it was all mostly a strip show for each of them, but it was amusing to watch the males at it, as they got very creative about it...

- One of them came to the tune of Destiny's Child's “Soldier”, decked out in a military vest, and camouflage trunks.- Another danced to the tune of Gregorian Chant, and came as some kind of Roman emperor.- One of them liked to pose ala Randy Orton. I think he also came as the Grim Reaper. The host commented: “So that's what the Grim Reaper has under the cloak!”-One of them was flossing, err, flexing with a whip. He didn't even know how to crack it. He was reportedly gay.- One of them did poi! I was marking out at that.- One of them danced to tune of “The Love Boat”, using flags. It was amusing how that turned out, but the poi just really blew away most anything else, except...- ... one of them danced to the tune of “The Phantom Of The Opera”, wearing a cape and a mask, and his trunks. I think it freaked Diane and Sacha out, but I was laughing my head off. It was a classic. He even whipped off the mask the moment the lyrics got to “The Phantom of the Opera is there...”

The Top Ten was interesting. While Jac didn't make it, the contestants were very diverse. The Orton guy was actually only sixteen years old. The quote of the night, though, came from this tall guy...

Crystal: So what is your favorite color?

Contestant: Blue

Crystal: Why is it your favorite color?

Contestant: Because it goes well with everything I like.

Crystal: Because it goes well with everything you like? So exactly what do you like?

Contestant: Blue!

He won the contest, by the way. That could've been viewed as witty or idiotic. Due to his delivery, I'd go with the former.

In any case, Jac won the Stalker's Choice, err, the Texter's Choice Award. It was really great, and Grace was texting me how all the geeks and nerds of the Jac Ting Lim cult definitely pulled through on this one... heh.

Afterwards, Ranulf and I looked for Sach, Dom, and Diane, and I was being taught how to do the swing. I'd love to learn just a bit more... heh. Dancing is way cool...

We had a huge pizza for dinner, then just had small conversations here and there before we went to sleep, and Ranulf tried to sleep as far away from me as humanly possible. Muwahahahahaha. I think talking about eating heads of fish and eliminating the word "fish" from the conversation scared Ron away quite a bit...

Friday, April 15, 2005

I know I had a better song in my mind, but this one stuck to my head at the last moment...

Against All Oddsby Phil Collins

How can I just let you walk away, just let you leave without a trace When I stand here taking every breath with you, ooh You're the only one who really knew me at all

How can you just walk away from me, when all I can do is watch you leave Cos we've shared the laughter and the pain, and even shared the tears You're the only one who really knew me at all

So take a look at me now, 'cos there's just an empty space And there's nothing left here to remind me, just the memory of your face Take a look at me now, 'cos there's just an empty space And you coming back to me is against all odds and that's what I've got to face

I wish I could just make you turn around, turn around and see me cry There's so much I need to say to you, so many reasons why You're the only one who really knew me at all

So take a look at me now, 'cos there's just an empty space And there's nothing left here to remind me, just the memory of your face Take a look at me now, 'cos there's just an empty space But to wait for you, well that's all I can do and that's what I've got to face Take a good look at me now, 'cos I'll still be standing here And you coming back to me is against all odds That's the chance I've got to take, oh, oho

Just take a look at me now

.:Will Be Gone For The Weekend:.

Going to Subic with Ranulf, Sacha, and some other friends, I guess. Off to support her as she vies for the Slimmers World Body Beautiful competition.

Yes, I’ll be there mainly to bond with people and hopefully do some more work like testing stuff on my laptop. But of course, the most important job is giving imm… err… moral support to Jac, and of course… scout the… ahem… competition.

It’s a tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it.

.:Off. Way Off:.

Other than an article or two, I think my blogging has been relatively shorter as of late.

I think this has less to do with a decline of a desire to write than it has to do with the fact that nothing too noteworthy happens to me in my life when I'm just stuck at home. Nonetheless, as the schoolyear has just begun, I guess there's the answer there. I'm fairly happy where I am for the most part.

If it's any consolation, once I'm in the groove of all things Philosophy once again, then I suppose I can simply get on with my life and blog a lot again... I just have to settle a few things here and there, I suppose.

.:Whoah…:.

Silly me. Francis walks into Hobby Haven while I’m playing…

Marcelle: Yo, Francis. When do classes begin?

Francis: Uhh… today WAS the first day of classes…

Marcelle: Yay. I was absent on my first day.

I am sooooo absent-minded, I ought to be a professor in no time!

.:Rebonding:.

Been a while since I last managed to bond with Jason, so I guess last night was really a great time as I just talked with him, Flip, and Vic, about everything from L5R to issues with liking someone who's pure Chinese. I guess I'm not alone when it comes to those situations... oh, well.

Nonetheless, I just went to the store after paying my tuition, and it was very interesting how our conversations went, as it was pretty clear that things were hurly-burly for most of us, but it's still fun, in spite of all the busyness. I'm particularly glad that I managed to even find the time to talk with these guys again and play L5R after not having touched my L5R deck for the longest time... I guess that's really great...

In any case, we ate at Chiggy's... correction: Vic and I ate while Jason and Flip had beer. I was too destitute to care about beer... heh. Still, talking to these guys made me realize that though I'm not overtly close to them, they're still people I can count on to some extent in a pinch, if only to have people hear me out and tell me quite bluntly what they think about my situation. For that, I appreciate their company all the same.

On the way home, I ran into an old high school classmate of mine, but that wasn't all too significant, anyways...

.:Fr. Ferriols Teaches Kierkegaard:.

So he’s back, he looks a lot healthier, and it was really fun having him as a teacher again. In any case, I really think this sem is going to turn out well.

I mean, he was talking about this seducer guy who just tries and score with chicks for kicks in his life… younger ones, to be exact. Hopefully, he’s not a teacher, or the M.O. will be a bit too rehashed when ATM pulls it off… if you know what I mean. :P

Thursday, April 14, 2005

.:Today's LSS:.

I just might end up singing this to someone next week... talked to a few of my former students about this and all...

All Or Nothingby O-Town

I know when he's been on your mindThat distant look is in your eyesI thought with time you'd realize it's over, overIt's not the way I choose to liveAnd something somewhere's gotta giveA share in this relationship gets older, older

You know I'd fight for you but how could I fightsomeone who isn't even thereI've had the rest of you now I want the best ofyou I don't care if that's not fair

Cuz I want it allOr nothing at allThere's nowhere left to fallWhen you reach the bottom it's now or neverIs it allOr are we just friendsIs this how it endsWith a simple telephone callYou leave me here with nothing at all

There are time it seems to meI'm sharing you with memoriesI feel it in my heart but I don't show it , show itThen there's times you look at meAs thought I'm all that you could seeThose times I don't believe it's right I know it , know it

Don't make me promises baby you never didknow how to keep them wellI had the rest of you now I want the bestof you it's time to show and tell

Cuz I want it allOr nothing at allThere's nowhere left to fallWhen you reach the bottom it's now or neverIs it allOr are we just friendsIs this how it endsWith a simple telephone callYou leave me here with nothing at all

Cuz you and ICould lose it all if you've got no more roomNowhere inside for me in your life

Cuz I want it allOr Nothing at allThere's nowhere left to fallIt's now or never

Is it allOr Nothing at allWhen you reach the bottom it's now or neverIs it allOr are we just friendsIs this how it endsWith a simple telephone callYou leave me here with nothing at all

.:Ji Won Ha!:.

Google her if you don't know who she is, but she apparently is in a Koreanovela, "Memories Of Bali". I'm so happy! She'll be on tv on a regular basis!

As you can tell, she's my second favorite Korean star, next only to Jeon Ji-Hyun. :)

.:A Funny Conversation...:.

So let me get this straight... you're going to Subic this weekend to go and ogle over bathing beauties and enjoy the flat screen?

Wednesday, April 13, 2005

.:Today's LSS:.

I heard the song, and my spirits picked up. I'm feeling a lot better today, but I stil need to talk to you-know-who one last time so we could at least have some semblance of closure with the nasty "might've been talk..."

Crazy For Youby Madonna

Swaying room as the music startsStrangers making the most of the darkTwo by two their bodies become one

I see you through the smokey airCan't you feel the weight of my stareYou're so close but still a world awayWhat I'm dying to say, is that

Chorus:

I'm crazy for youTouch me once and you'll know it's trueI never wanted anyone like thisIt's all brand new, you'll feel it in my kissI'm crazy for you, crazy for you

Trying hard to control my heartI walk over to where you areEye to eye we need no words at all

Slowly now we begin to moveEvery breath I'm deeper into youSoon we two are standing still in timeIf you read my mind, you'll see

(chorus)

It's all brand new, I'm crazy for youAnd you know it's trueI'm crazy, crazy for you

.:All This Stress:.

I know it's going to be sort of a working vacation, but I'm pulling all of the strings to leave my weekend free from WAVE. Things have been so stressful lately, and I feel a bit guilty about my temper flaring up quite easily as of late.

That being said, I'm hoping that this short vacation would really help me. A lot of crazy things have been happening in my life lately, and I just need to let myself get away from it all for a few days...

You're the absolute best friend a person can ask for, and I realize how huge a jack@$$ I can be at times for having to lash out at you when things go wrong, to think you're the only person who's always there for me.

I'm sorry.

I just wish there was some way I could let you feel that I really, really appreciate how you've still been there for me despite the fact that there's no longer any “us” to speak of.

I'm sorry.

And I do love you. I just have to try not to be in love with you as well.

Tuesday, April 12, 2005

Oceans apart day after dayAnd I slowly go insaneI hear your voice on the lineBut it doesn't stop the pain

If I see you next to neverHow can we say forever

Chorus:Wherever you goWhatever you doI will be right here waiting for youWhatever it takesOr how my heart breaksI will be right here waiting for you

I took for granted, all the timesThat I though would last somehowI hear the laughter, I taste the tearsBut I can't get near you now

Oh, can't you see it babyYou've got me goin' Crazy

(Chorus)

I wonder how we can surviveThis romanceBut in the end if I'm with youI'll take the chance

Oh, can't you see it babyYou've got me goin' crazy

(Chorus)

.:Amusing As Heck:.

I won't have sore throat for the next five years... (How I wish I had a camera to show the evidence!)

... I was just handed a pretty huge gift pack from Strepsils. Pretty amusing how that turned out, really.

.:Enrollment:.

I hope I can afford the tuition... looks like I can, but we'll see how it turns out.

.:Film Review: My Little Bride:.

As usual, SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

My Little BrideI'd like one, too...

The Korean romantic comedy genre never ceases to amaze me with how many ways they can spin the classic girl-meets-boy story and still make a masterpiece out of it.

That being said, “My Little Bride” gives us the unusual odd couple in Sungmin and Beoun, whose close families have made them practically older brother and younger sister to each other all their lives. Because their grandfather thought he was dying, he asked as a dying wish that the two be married, despite the fact that Beoun is only 16 and still a freshman in high school. Hilarity ensues as they get married and Beoun skips out on their honeymoon, while Sungmin spends his “honeymoon” all on his own.

Married life without any room for grandchildren is naturally quite frustrating for Sungmin, although he somehow takes it in stride. Meanwhile, Beoun ends up having a boyfriend. The funny thing is that the guy, Jungwoo, asked Beoun if she had a boyfriend, and she naturally said no. Of course she doesn't have a boyfriend! She has a husband! =P

Beoun and Sungmin slowly begin to get along better as time passes by, and it becomes amusing all the more when Sungmin becomes an intern at Beoun's high school, and still manages to keep his cool around Beoun despite his knowledge about Beoun's boyfriend. While teaching in their class, when asked about his first love, Sungmin talks about a girl who went to his camp while he was sick and on military duty despite the fact that they never met and she never knew about his feelings. Beoun thinks it was probably Jisoo, Sungmin's senior officer.

When all these secrets come to a head, and Beoun's (uber-cute) best friend feels very envious about Beoun having both a husband and a boyfriend, things turn to the slight melodrama, but not so drastically. The light-heartedness of Beoun's wide-eyed innocence and the naughty but contained wordliness of Sungmin play off each other very well here. There are really just some moments where you really get carried away in the moment while watching...

The moment Beoun's teacher finds out that Sungmin is married to Beoun, she picks on Beoun and asks her to decorate an entire hallway. Beoun tries to do it alone, but can't. Her best friend helps her out, but it doesn't look quite good. Behind her back, Sungmin and his friends work on the hallway every night, which explained why he always arrived late. Beoun then discovers that the girl Sungmin was talking about with the class was actually her, as she realized she went to the camp once while he was sick. All this time, while we feel annoyed about how lecherous and all Sungmin can get, he already had a heart of gold that really showed. He was a big brother to Beoun before he became her husband, after all.

Finally, at the school festival, when prompted by one of the annoying girls in the school, Sungmin reveals his secret marriage with Beoun, who was already falling in love with him. The school was witness to what, in my opinion, was a wonderful speech from Sungmin. It really hit a nerve with me...

Oh, technically, Sungmin became Beoun's teacher. Not that it should imply anything...

In any case, this was a movie that you really should watch on a date. It just really makes you feel good afterwards, and is simply a treat. I loved the movie from beginning to end, and can't quite find anything to complain about. I really recommend anyone who likes romantic films to watch this. It just tugs at the hearstrings.

I'm still giddy over the film... watch it! Both Beoun and her best friend are soooooooo cute! I mean, if you saw Beoun in her uber-white wedding gown, you'd see how fair her complexion is, as she practically blends in with her gown!!!

Monday, April 11, 2005

Child of the wilderness Born into emptiness Learn to be lonely Learn to find your way in darkness

Who will be there for you Comfort and care for you Learn to be lonely Learn to be your one companion

Never dreamed that out in the world There are arms to hold you You've always known Your heart was on it's own

So laugh in your loneliness Child of the wilderness Learn to be lonely Learn to love life that is lived alone

Learn to be lonely Learn to be your one companion Never dreamed that out in the world There are arms to hold you You've always known Your heart was on it's own

So laugh in your loneliness Child of the wilderness Learn to be lonely Learn how to love life that is lived alone

.:A Walk To Remember?:.

Grace and I had a very lovely date yesterday, as we went all the way to Cubao just so we could try out this halo-halo with cheese she heard about. I forgot the name of the store, but at 49 pesos, I think that dessert was definitely a winner. I loved it, and I was glad I went all the way with Grace for it.

Grace will always hold a special place in my heart. That much is clear.

.:Film Review: Shall We Dance:.

Grace and I went to my house to watch a DVD of the American remake of “Shall We Dance”, starring Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez. I think the both of us really loved the movie, to say the least.

In any case, I'm going to review the film (I probably will review the films with Cholo IF I watch them again... but both films were nice.). As usual, SPOILERS AHEAD!

Shall We Dance?Put your best shoes on, because we shall.

Truth be told, this film was a film I came to with low expectations, mainly because of one actress: Jennifer Lopez. She was never really a good actress to begin with, but when she starred in “Gigli”, she just really raised the bar for horrible acting.

That being said, she wasn't so horrible in this film, and the rest of the cast was top-notch, anyways.

“Shall We Dance” is the story of Mr. John Clark, an attorney who feels something's missing in his life despite his wonderful wife and children. While going home each day on the train, he sees a beautiful face (I use the term loosely.) by the window: Paulina, a dance instructor. Enchanted by her, John impulsively sings up for dance lessons and keeps it a secret from his family, who suspect he is having an affair.

While there, John runs into an assortment of people: Vern, an overweight but enthusiastic dancer; Chic, a guy who decided to dance to seduce girls (Or so we are led to believe.); Julie, a splendid dancer who never seems to get along with anyone due to her brutal honesty; Miss Mitzi, the owner of the dance studio; and Link, his co-worker who, like him, keeps his dancing a secret.

At first, it seems that Paulina was the one reason John wanted to learn to dance. However, the moment John was rebuffed after his gesture to have dinner with Paulina, he decided to prove her wrong by showing up and just learning how to dance. It all comes to a head when Julie and John become partners in a dance competition, only for their moment of glory to fall apart the moment John gets distracted upon finding his daughter and wife in the audience.

Some scenes were changed from the original Japanese film that made this version have endearing qualities unique to itself, such as the part where Richard Gere passes by Susan Sarandon before going to the party, with a rose in hand. It was simply brilliant, really. I loved how things worked out for them, and how the dancing has simply brought them together even more. While ballroom dancing is not as taboo in the States as it is in Japan, I liked how the film addressed the issue, and how Stanley Tucci showed up his co-workers by giving one of the females a pretty nifty dance routine, and then giving them all a huge “eff you” before walking back into his office.

In the end, it turns out Vern does have a fiancee, Chic is gay, Julie and Link become an item, and Paulina finally goes back to Europe to continue studying dance again. While Jennifer Lopez cannot do dramatic acting to save her life, most of her scenes were handled well enough, and I especially liked the way they underplayed the attraction between Gere and Lopez that was hinted at in the original Japanese film. I think this really made the movie just a little better than it would've been, and Richard Gere definitely carried himself well here, and did justice to his role, as did Stanley Tucci, which felt like a complete 180-degree turn from his stint in The Terminal.

I loved this film. I had very few complaints about it, but that's mostly because I'm biased against Jennifer Lopez. I'd recommend people to watch it, and although I honestly feel the Japanese version was strictly superior, if you can't find it, this is as close to it as you can get from Hollywood.

Is it true that Manila Pen has a chocolate festival again? The same one I teased Sacha about missing all of last year while she was in Japan? If this is true, then I'm sure someone's swinging by Manila Pen soon... heh.

.:Creativity:.

Magic 89.9 listeners might find it amusing/offensive that the male jocks of RX made a commercial, calling themselves the "Boys of Summer". I found it very funny, but it should be obvious why I did.

.:Just A Thought:.

I don't think I can let the day pass without letting her know that I miss her and that I'm thinking about her.

.:I Watched Battle Royale AGAIN:.

This time, I watched it with Grace. We watched Michael Moore's "Bowling For Columbine" before it, and I really enjoyed that documentary. They did a bit of truth-stretching on some parts, but this film definitely deserved an A+. You just have to love the way the film was done.

In any case, a few additional observations regarding the film...

- Kitano had it bad for his student, Noriko. I think Peppy brought up that this seems to be a good reason why I love the film so much... heh. After all, Kitano REALLY liked Noriko.

- I know precisely what I'd do in a Battle Royale, but I can't talk about it too much, as it'd spoil parts of my fan fiction.

- Chigusa in the film is also Go-Go Yubari in Kill Bill Vol. 1. Made me like her even more...

Someone stole money from my room. Again. As if $105 wasn't enough, I now have lost an additional 3,500. I'm going to the poorhouse because of this and not my spending habits. Worse, my parents think it's my fault I get robbed. Screw them.

I'm tired of this crap. If I find out who he/she is, that person will regret it.

And yeah, I typed this entry already, only to accidentally copy/paste something on it, and poof, all gone. This is why I prefer doing it on Word first...

.:Thursday Night Battle Royale:.

Little for me to add to what Clair, Peppy, and Sach have blogged about, really. I just find it funny that Clair had no idea what the Ladder To Success... and how both she and Dang kept hitting me every single time I came up with a double-entendre or gay innuendo that simply sent JM squirming away from me... especially when Takeshi Kitano said "My @$$ hurts" in the movie... all that MST-ing was hilarious.

In one scene, Shuya, the lead guy, holds his neck and finds a collar bomb attached to it. My comment? "Omigosh! I'm wearing a wristwatch on my neck!"

Anyways, there was also the dancing agenda, and while JM refused to dance, Ranulf decided to delegate his dancing to me instead...

"Marcelle, you dance for me."

I don't know with you, but that sounds just a tad gay... heh.

.:First Meeting:.

Met up with the person I write for, Iyay Dumdum. She also had another EYP writer who showed up, Mariel, whose name rhymes with mine. She's part-Chinese and wears glasses, by the way.

Anyways, it was just small talk for the most part. It was fun getting to know them, and it was fun realizing how small the world really was. All three of us knew Elbert through different means... Elbert was supposed to be there, but he was busy, so it seemed.

In any case, Diablo II has taken over my life. I'm hardly blogging... oh, well.

Thursday, April 07, 2005

Okay, no early 90’s rap for today (Informer by Snow? Hehe.), but a song that really captures how I feel about being suddenly alone again…

Same Groundby Kitchie Nadal

My love,Its been a long time since i criedAnd left you out of the blue.Its hard leaving you that way whenI never wanted to.

Self-denial is a gameIts strange i never would'veWanted if until there was you.

Because i have learned that love is beyondWhat human can imagine,The more it clears the more i have to let you go.

CHORUS:What don't understand is why I’m feelingSo bad now when i know it was my idea.I could've just denied the truth and liedBut why am i the only one standing strandedOn the same ground?

My love,Its been a long time since i criedAnd left you out of the blue.Its hard leaving you that way whenI never wanted to.

Self-denial is a gameIts strange i never would'vewanted if until there was you.

Because i have learned that love is aword gets thrown a little bit too much.the best excuse to fill the infinite abyssi have never have to if all else fail

If all else fail, would you be brave to see rightthrough me?(2x)

.:Claimed...:.

Treated my kumare to halo-halo yesterday. Razon's is still as good as it ever was, although the prices have jumped a bit. Grace and I were there with her sister, and of course, my goddaughter, Stephie, was as cute as ever. Hold food in front of her face, and she promptly opens her mouth to eat. Heh. It's really fun, to say the least.

.:Too Lazy For Cholo, But Not For Dakota?:.

I still haven't gotten around to reviewing “Love, So Divine” (With Cholo and the uber-hot Ji-Won Ha!!!), and “My Tutor Friend”, but I saw “Hide And Seek” last night with Grace, and I'm going to review that right about now...

As usual,SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

.:Film Review: Hide And Seek:.

Hide And SeekOne one thousand, two one thousand, three one thousand, spoilers here!

We had a premiere of this film last Tuesday, but as I met up with Ranulf, I had to pass. Nonetheless, I've heard a lot of enthusiastic words about this film from my partner in WAVE, Gia, so I decided to watch it, regardless.

“Hide And Seek” starts off with Emily (Dakota Fanning) and her mom (Elisabeth Shue), talking in Emily's bedroom. On that same night, New Year's Eve, Emily's mom commits suicide, and her dad, David (Robert De Niro), decides to start anew in a different town. Amid all the trauma, Emily begins to have an imaginary friend named Charlie, and David airs out his concerns about his daughter with his psychologist friend (That girl who plays Jean Gray. Her name escapes me.).

As the story progresses, Emily begins to really creep the heck out of her dad and the people around them, albeit just about everyone in their town has enough quirks to keep you guessing what's really going on. Soon enough, “Charlie” kills their pet cat, and the girl who was fancying David. Clearly, there's more to Charlie than just an imaginary friend that Emily uses an outlet, and towards the end, David finally finds out.

He is Charlie. The trauma of seeing his wife having an affair has created a multiple personality disorder in David that turns him into Charlie. Emily becomes witness to this demented split personality, but doesn't quite know how to explain to her father what's really going on. When David realizes that after all this time, the moments he thought he was working in his den were actually mere delusions, he snaps and all that is left is Charlie. Before he manages to kill Emily, the psychologist friend saves her, and shoots David, or by now, Charlie.

However, the ending is equally creepy. As Emily draws herself and her new mom, they leave the house and the camera pans to her drawing: she drew herself with two heads, indicating that perhaps, she herself has a new personality as well...

First thing that occurred to me while I was watching this film was if one of the multiple personalities would turn out to be Jack Byrnes. Having recently seen De Niro in “Meet The Fockers”, he still felt a bit typecast in my eyes, but the way he carried himself through this psychological thriller was brilliant. Dakota Fanning's acting was likewise impressive, and goes to show why she's one of the top child actresses in Hollywood right now.

However, I have one gripe about this film, and it's quite clear what that is: the delineation between David and Charlie wasn't established well enough for Emily to be able to tell right away if her dad was her dad or Charlie. I didn't quite understand how that would work, and why a child wouldn't be able to tell her own dad that her dad has a split personality like that. It just seems completely implausible for what almost seemed like a joke to run that long.

Despite that, the chills were good for what they were worth. Truth be told, you can almost forgive the above gaff in the storytelling simply because the film was really that good... I definitely appreciated how the story was built up, and how the seeming lapses in time that have been happening to David were explained by his alternate personality.

Definitely worth a watch for those who want a very satisfying psychological thriller and haven't read this spoiler-laden review yet...